15 Tips for Controlling Weeds in Edmonton

Controlling weeds is one of the biggest challenges when maintaining a beautiful yard or garden. 

They can pop up anywhere, and if left unchecked, weeds will quickly take over, robbing your plants of valuable nutrients and space. 

At Marksmen Vegetation Management, we specialize in Edmonton Weed Management and are here to help you keep your outdoor spaces weed-free with these practical and easy-to-follow tips.

1. Mulch Your Garden Beds

Apply a thick layer—about 3 inches—of organic mulch like bark or straw. As an added benefit, mulch also helps retain moisture. 

Refresh your mulch every spring to keep it effective. You can also try using cocoa bean shells if you want a unique, fragrant option.

2. Pull Weeds When the Soil Is Damp

After a good rain or watering session, take advantage of the soft ground to pull weeds by the root. 

For those stubborn deep-rooted weeds like dandelions, use a dandelion weeder or a long-handled weeding tool. 

Pulling them early in the season prevents them from spreading seeds.

3. Use Landscape Fabric

If you’re dealing with troublesome areas, like under gravel or in pathways, landscape fabric is a game-changer. 

It acts as a barrier, making it much harder for weeds to break through. 

Just remember to cut holes for your plants to grow through and secure the fabric with garden pins.

4. Mow Your Lawn Regularly

Letting your grass grow too long gives weeds the opportunity to take hold. 

Mowing regularly not only keeps your lawn looking tidy but it also stops weeds from flowering and spreading their seeds.

 Set your mower blades high to encourage thicker grass, which naturally crowds out weeds like crabgrass and clover.

5. Water Your Plants, Not the Weeds

Ever noticed weeds thriving in areas where water pools or spreads out too much? 

You can fix that by using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target your plants directly. This limits the water that weeds get, making them less likely to grow.

6. Plant Ground Covers

Ground covers are a beautiful and natural way to prevent weeds from taking over. 

Low-growing plants like creeping thyme or sedum create a thick blanket over the soil, which makes it difficult for weeds to sprout. 

These ground covers not only add texture to your landscape but also reduce the need for frequent weeding.

7. Edge Your Garden Beds

Creating a clear border between your garden beds and lawn can stop grass and weeds from creeping in. 

Use tools like an edging spade or install physical barriers such as plastic, metal, or brick edging. 

Raised garden beds with defined edges are also a good option for reducing weed spread.

8. Keep Weeds Out of Cracks in Pavement

Weeds in pavement cracks can make driveways and walkways look messy. 

To tackle this, spray a vinegar solution into the cracks or use a flame weeder to burn the weeds at the root. 

After removing the weeds, seal the cracks with sand or a crack filler to prevent them from coming back.

9. Choose Native Plants

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them less vulnerable to pests and weeds. 

Choose hardy Edmonton varieties like prairie coneflower, wild bergamot, or yarrow. 

These plants are not only low maintenance but also help crowd out invasive weeds by taking up the available space and resources.

10. Practice Crop Rotation in Vegetable Gardens

Crop rotation isn’t just for farmers—it can work wonders in your backyard garden too. 

By rotating your vegetables every year, you prevent weeds from becoming established in one area. 

For example, after growing tomatoes in one spot, switch to beans or lettuce the next year. This disrupts the growth cycle of weeds and reduces the need for constant weeding.

11. Hand Weed in Early Spring

Weeding in early spring, before weeds have had a chance to grow large, is one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of the problem. 

Make it a habit to do a weekly walk through your garden during spring, pulling weeds as you go to keep them from establishing deep roots.

12. Avoid Overwatering Lawns

Overwatering your lawn can encourage weeds like nutsedge and dandelions to thrive. 

By watering less frequently but more deeply, you’ll promote healthier grass with deeper roots that can outcompete weeds. 

If you’re not sure when to water, check the soil with your finger—if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water.

13. Maintain Healthy Soil

Healthy soil naturally helps suppress weeds by promoting strong plant growth and making it harder for weeds to take root. 

Regularly adding compost or organic matter to your soil improves its structure and nutrient content. This allows your plants to thrive while leaving less room for weeds.

14. Stay Consistent With Weeding

Consistency is key when it comes to controlling weeds. 

Set aside time each week to inspect your garden or lawn for new weeds and remove them as soon as they appear. This prevents them from becoming established and spreading seeds. 

Weeding in small, frequent sessions is much easier than letting the task build up over time.

15. Call in the Professionals

Sometimes, weeds can get out of hand despite your best efforts. In those cases, calling in professionals like Marksmen Vegetation Management is the best solution. 

We have the expertise and equipment to handle stubborn weeds and can set up a maintenance plan to keep your yard looking its best. 

This not only saves you time but also ensures long-term results!

Edmonton Weed Management - Let the Experts Handle Your Weeds!

Weeds don’t have to take over your yard!

With a little care and attention, you can keep your Edmonton property looking beautiful and weed-free. 

At Marksmen Vegetation Management, we bring years of experience and specialized knowledge to help you tackle even the toughest weeds. 

Contact us today for professional, reliable, and effective weed management solutions to keep your outdoor spaces thriving.